TN Govt seeks PM's intervention in Hogenakkal issue

Chennai, Apr 2 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government today sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for an early and peaceful solution to the controversy over Hogenakkal Drinking Water Project, opposition to which from Karnataka was gaining momentum.

Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu today met the Prime Minister and handed him a four-page letter written by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at New Delhi, official sources here said.

A copy of the resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly yesterday seeking Centre's intervention was also enclosed along with the letter.

Mr Baalu also impressed upon the Prime Minister on the need for implementing the project which would address the drinking water needs of the people of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts, where the ground water had high flouride content.

He said the project was approved by the BJP-led NDA Regime in 1998 and cleared by the Environment and Forests Ministry.It was also okayed by the Karnataka Government while it launched the Bangalore Drinking Water Scheme.

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